UNCLE SAM'S SHIPS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 184, 6 August 1925, Page 7

UNCLE SAM'S SHIPS.

FAREWELL TO AUSTRALIA.

STARS AND STRIFES

AND SOUTHERN CROSS

(By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.)

(Received 2.30 p.m.)

NEW YORK, August 5.

The visit of the American Fleet to Australia coincident with the flotation of tho Australian loan here, aroused a great deal of friendly interest and curiosity regarding affairs in the Antipodes. Press items are eagerly read and generally commented upon in the spirit of Mr. Coolidge's message to Lord Forster.

A New York "Sun" leader says from news dispatches describing the reception given officially and by the populace to the United States Fleet and its personnel it is plain the visit of the ships to the South Pacific Continent is well timed and wisely planned. There has been a wholesomeness and cordiality about the greetings exchanged which put formalities into the background, and bespeak a general understanding by the hosts of the disposition of their guests. Australia has faced and is facing many problems the United States has faced and is facing. Its people, like the Americans, have subdued the wilderness and tappeed the resources or a country whose riches now they only guessed, and faced the -problems of immigration which it has sought to control for the common good and the development of its lands and public utilities. — (A. and N.Z.) MR. BRUCES BENEDICTION. RESULTS OF THE VISIT. LINK WHICH WILL NOT BREAK. SYDNEY, August 5. The admirals of the American Fleet spent to-day in paying farewell calls. The warships now at Sydney will sail for Auckland at 11 a.m. to-morrow instead of 9 a.m., as had been arranged. In a farewell message to the fleet, the Prime Minister, Mr. S. M. Bruce, says: "On behalf of the Government and people of Australia 1 desire to express our utmost gratification at the result of the visit. Australians will ever treasure their association with the worthy representatives of a great country. "Their admirable conduct, their manliness and friendly personality have endeared them to all the citizens, and created an impression which time will not efface. "We feel that from this visit we have forged a link which will not break." A message from Melbourne states that the Commander-in-Chief of the United States Navy, Admiral Coontz, says: "The fleet will leave Australia with the most kindly thoughts of its people and with thankful hearts for their great courtesies. The arrangements for handling the fleet during our visit and the care taken have been phenomenal and successful. The visit exceeded our fondest expectations. "In all my experience I have never seen such an outpouring of friendship and kindness." A telegram from Hobart says the American cruisers arrived there to-day in wintry weather. They were enthusiastically'welcomed.— (A. and N.Z.) U.S. SEAPLANE CRASH. NOBODY INJURED. SYDNEY, August 5. A seaplane from the American warship New Mexico was Hying low over the harbour to-day when the wind and water caught one of the wing pontoons. The seaplane was overturned and crashed under the water. It was completely wrecked. The crew were rescued unhurt. — (A. and N.Z. Cable.) DESTROYER SINKS HULK. COLLISION IN MELBOURNE. MELBOURNE, August 5. When the American destroyer MacDonough was leaving the Victoria Dock to-day to take up her anchorage in the bay she collided with a coal hulk laden with 1200 tons of coal. The hulk was sunk in a few minutes, but the destroyer was not damaged. The point where the hulk sank is less than 150 yards from the entrance to the dock. It will take two months to raise it. Had the accident occurred at the entrance, it would have prevented the departure of the fleet to-morrow. — (A. and N.Z. Cable.)